FollowLiving with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) hasn’t been easy, especially when it comes to food. I was diagnosed in the year 2000, and since then, I’ve been on a low-carb diet. PCOS is closely linked to insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells no longer respond normally to insulin. This can cause blood sugar levels to spike, and over time, it significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Statistics show that more than half of women with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes by the time they turn 40. I didn’t want to be part of that statistic.
Alongside my PCOS, I also battled with infertility and underwent fertility treatments. I eventually conceived Alycia through IUI, and for that, I’m forever grateful. But the journey taught me the importance of discipline—especially in diet and lifestyle. Over the years, I managed to keep my PCOS under control without medication like Metformin, thanks to my low-carb diet and regular exercise. Still, I had a wake-up call recently when my HbA1C reading hit the pre-diabetic threshold, despite the fact that I rarely eat sweet things. That reading pushed me to modify my diet even more, and thankfully, my latest blood test showed an improvement.
Now, I must admit, I love noodles. Meehoon, cha koay teow, yee mee, kai si hor fun, pork noodles—you name it. Giving them up entirely is difficult, especially when you live in Malaysia where delicious hawker food is everywhere. So I’ve learned to adapt. For soupy noodles, I ask for just the soup with meat and ingredients—no noodles. For fried noodles like cha koay teow, I only indulge occasionally and request more bean sprouts with minimal noodles. I always share the dish to avoid overeating.
It’s these small compromises that allow me to still enjoy food while staying committed to my health. I haven’t touched rice regularly since my PCOS diagnosis—only small amounts occasionally. That discipline has helped me live without the need for daily medication.
My new goal is to get my HbA1C reading below 5.0. I know it won’t be easy, especially when my family are all foodies, but I’m determined. Regular blood monitoring and sticking to my low-carb lifestyle will be key. If there’s one thing I’ve learned through the years, it’s that consistency—not perfection—is what keeps me healthy.
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